BROMATE
        What is Bromate? Bromate is a chemical compound containing bromine. It is a by-product of disinfection mostly associated with ozonation of bromide containing waters.

        What are the Health Effects of Bromate? Bromate poisoning causes abdominal pains, hearing impairment, kidney failure and at high enough doses, may cause death. Animal studies have also shown that bromate is mutagenic and carcinogenic to the kidneys in particular.

        How may I be Exposed to Bromate? Bromates are found in disinfected drinking supplies where ozone or a combination of ozone and hydrogen peroxide is used as a method of disinfection. The level of bromate is dependant on the amount of bromide found in the source water, the dosage of ozone, and the pH of the water.

        Are the Levels of Bromate in Drinking Water Dangerous to my Health? There is little data available on the actual concentrations of bromate found in disinfected water. It has been estimated that treatment with ozone or a combination of ozone and hydrogen peroxide could produce up to 40 mg/L of bromate in the majority of water supplies. These levels result in a significant cancer risk of over 1 chance in a 1000, and therefore may limit the use of ozone as an alternative treatment method to chlorination. No regulatory limits currently exist for bromate.




Source: http://www.ci.sf.ca.us/puc/wqfs/tocsec4.htm